Breakfast with santa at macys.

  

Thinking about new holiday traditions we can start in our little family of three, this past Sunday, AJ and I took Linna to have breakfast with Santa at Macy's. We all know how Linna's first meeting with Santa went this year, so we decided to give it a second try.

I've heard stories from friends about taking their families to Macy's Breakfast with Santa at Southdale and Downtown Minneapolis, but I had no idea they had one at Ridgedale Center (in our hood). When we walked in, we were greeted by a really friendly hostess who brought us to our table, which was completely set up with juice, color crayons, a high chair, and snacks for our 16-month-old. I really appreciated that we didn't have to wait for the server to bring us these things. Plus, they kept Mama and Papa Saigh's coffee filled, so we were very happy:) As soon as we got there, we were told we could head right up to the buffet too!

Linna loved the food.

Loving watching Santa from afar.

The buffet had the usual delicious breakfast foods like french toast, fruit, bacon, cheesy potatoes, egg bake (so fabulous), a yogurt bar, etc. Everything was really yummy... even the Cinnamon Toast Crunch (which she has never had before) that Linna decided to stick with (it's Christmas, so what the heck). We watched Santa and Mrs. Claus walk around to each table and talk to the kids. Linna would point at him and say "Ho Ho" (my Dad taught her this - so cute). But we've realized that Santa is just someone she wants to see from afar (for this year at least). Mrs. Claus came up to our table before Santa, and she was so sweet. She gave Linna a color crayon from off the table, and Linna just stared at her. Then, Linna started to cry, but Mrs. Claus was so good with her (respecting her space, yet entertaining her at the same time). It's apparent that Linna is intrigued by Santa and Mrs. Claus, but still wants to keep her distance.

We tried.

Before Santa came to our table, he sat at the table next to ours, and talked to the kids there. Linna liked looking at him, but still clung pretty tight to my shirt:) When Santa came over to our table, Linna wanted to get as far away from him as she could, and Santa was really sweet about it. He took a quick photo with us, but as soon as he realized Linna wasn't really "into it" he said "Ho Ho Ho", and made a friendly exit to the next table (which Linna happily watched). Soon after Santa left, the "balloon elf" came over to our table, and Linna was really into her "skills". She made us a reindeer balloon hat (warning us that balloons are a choking hazard for the wee ones, like Linna), and the creation was pretty cool. This woman (elf) was also super sweet, as I watched her walk over to a little girl wearing a crown on her head, and ask her "Are you a real princess?". So cute.

Balloon elf.

Presents from Macy's!

There was also face-painting for the older kids. I really wanted to get Linna's face painted, but we had a long car ride ahead of us (off to AJ's parents' house for Christmas). When we left breakfast, the hostesses gave Linna a cute little stuffed animal, which she loved. I must say that this event was very properly put together. Everyone was very friendly, all the guests seemed really happy, and we can't wait to go back next year. Here's to hoping Linna learns to love Santa at the age of two-and-a-half:)